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Which CN and nuclei are involved in parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal and salivary glands?

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Final answer:

The parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland involves the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) originating from the superior salivatory nucleus, while the salivary glands receive innervation from both the facial nerve for the submandibular and sublingual glands and the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) for the parotid gland.

Step-by-step explanation:

The parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal and salivary glands involves several cranial nerves and nuclei. The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) carries parasympathetic fibers that innervate the lacrimal gland for tear production. These fibers start in the superior salivatory nucleus and make their way through the facial nerve to synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion before reaching the lacrimal gland.

For the salivary glands, the same superior salivatory nucleus via the facial nerve innervates the submandibular and sublingual glands. In contrast, the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) carries parasympathetic fibers that originate from the inferior salivatory nucleus to the otic ganglion, which then innervate the parotid gland. These ganglionic synapses are crucial for the regulation of salivary secretion in response to various stimuli.

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